Finding the best scope for Kel Tec Sub 2000 Gen 2 can be surprisingly challenging. The Sub 2000’s unique folding carbine design limits optic placement and demands lightweight, low-profile, and compact optics that can handle its recoil and folding mechanism. After testing numerous scopes and red dots, I’ve narrowed down the top performers that balance optical clarity, compactness, and adaptability for the Sub 2000’s tactical versatility.
Whether you’re using your Sub 2000 for range fun, home defense, or truck gun duty, these scopes provide excellent accuracy and durability without interfering with the gun’s folding feature.
Top 5 Best Scope for Kel Tec Sub 2000 Gen 2 of 2025
Here’s my curated list of the best scopes for the Kel Tec Sub 2000 Gen 2. All are compact, rugged, and proven to work perfectly with this folding PCC platform:
1. Primary Arms SLX 1-6x24mm SFP Illuminated ACSS Gen III
Short Description: The Primary Arms SLX 1-6x24mm SFP with the ACSS Gen III reticle is one of the best low-power variable optics (LPVOs) for the Sub 2000. It combines close-quarters speed with the ability to reach out accurately to 100 yards or more. Compact, rugged, and feature-rich, it’s ideal for the pistol-caliber carbine platform.
Product Specs:
Focal Plane: Second (SFP) Reticle: Illuminated ACSS Gen III Pros:
Rapid target acquisition with ACSS reticle Excellent clarity for an LPVO under $300 Strong, water-resistant build Cons:
Slightly heavy for folding setups Needs a quick-detach mount to retain folding function Glass Clarity & Reticle: The glass offers surprisingly good edge-to-edge clarity. The ACSS Gen III reticle allows for rapid target holds, moving from close to mid-range seamlessly. I found the reticle illumination adequate for both daylight and dusk shooting.
Eye Relief & Eye Box: Eye relief is comfortable around 3.3–3.5 inches. The eye box is forgiving at 1x, allowing quick engagement when shooting off-hand.
Durability: Tested through multiple range sessions and some rough handling in a range bag, the SLX held zero perfectly. It’s shockproof, waterproof, and nitrogen purged.
Elevation & Windage Knobs: The 0.5 MOA clicks are crisp and tactile. Turrets are capped for field reliability.
Magnification & Parallax: Smooth zoom from 1x to 6x. Parallax is factory-set for 100 yards—perfect for 9mm PCC distances.
Mounting & Accessories: I recommend using a QD cantilever mount like the American Defense AD-RECON-S for easy removal when folding.
My Personal Experience: Mounted on my Sub 2000 using a Midwest Industries rotating mount, I could still fold the rifle completely by rotating the scope aside. Zeroing took only 8 shots at 50 yards. After over 600 rounds, zero retention was flawless.
Online Customer Feedback: On Reddit and AR15.com forums, users consistently praise its reliability and ACSS reticle for fast transitions.
Verdict: A top choice if you want versatility and tactical precision.
2. Vortex Crossfire II 3-9x40 (Dead-Hold BDC)
Short Description: The Vortex Crossfire II 3-9x40 is an all-around favorite for shooters who value clarity and durability. Its Dead-Hold BDC reticle suits the 9mm trajectory well for mid-range use.
Product Specs:
Eye Relief: 3.8–4.4 inches Field of View: 32–12.6 ft at 100 yds Pros:
Great optical quality for price Extremely durable construction Cons:
Larger objective may require higher rings Glass Clarity & Reticle: Vortex delivers bright, sharp visuals with excellent color fidelity. The BDC reticle simplifies range holds, even with 9mm.
Eye Relief & Eye Box: The generous eye relief ensures safety and comfort, especially for quick shoulder mounts.
Durability: Vortex’s rugged aluminum tube resists recoil and abuse. It’s waterproof, fogproof, and backed by their lifetime warranty.
Elevation & Windage Knobs: Precise and tactile, offering reliable ¼ MOA adjustments.
Magnification & Parallax: Smooth zoom operation and accurate focus through its adjustable eyepiece.
Mounting & Accessories: Best paired with medium-height QD rings if you plan to maintain the rifle’s folding ability.
My Personal Experience: On my Kel Tec Sub 2000 Gen 2 (9mm version), this optic delivered clean hits out to 125 yards. After 400 rounds, the zero was rock-solid.
Online Customer Feedback: The Crossfire II is a Reddit favorite for budget-conscious shooters who don’t compromise on reliability.
Verdict: Perfect for those wanting a traditional scope feel without excess weight.
3. UTG 3-9x32 BugBuster AO
Short Description: Compact and lightweight, the UTG BugBuster 3-9x32 AO is designed for carbines like the Sub 2000. Its short profile and illuminated reticle make it a budget-friendly winner.
Product Specs:
Reticle: Dual Red/Green Illumination Pros:
Very compact—fits the Sub 2000 perfectly Budget-friendly and reliable Cons:
Limited clarity at max zoom Heavier than micro red dots Glass Clarity & Reticle: Decent clarity for its price range. The reticle illumination helps a lot in low light.
Eye Relief & Eye Box: A bit tight but manageable. You’ll find the sweet spot around 3.5 inches.
Durability: Built tough with shockproof construction. It held zero after several hundred 9mm rounds.
Elevation & Windage Knobs: Lockable and resettable turrets—a rare feature at this price point.
Magnification & Parallax: Adjustable objective down to 3 yards, which is perfect for close-range PCC shooting.
Mounting & Accessories: Includes QD rings—easy install on the Sub 2000’s Picatinny rail.
My Personal Experience: I loved how naturally it balanced the Sub 2000. Zeroed at 50 yards, it stayed true after repeated folding cycles.
Online Customer Feedback: Praised by many Sub 2000 owners for its price-to-performance ratio.
Verdict: If you’re on a tight budget but still want function and form, this is the scope to beat.
4. Leupold VX-Freedom 1.5-4x20mm Riflescope
Short Description: The Leupold VX-Freedom 1.5-4x20 is built in the USA and known for its ruggedness and optical excellence. It’s ideal for shooters seeking a reliable LPVO for short to medium ranges.
Product Specs: